FREELANCE 411 — Blogging Bling

There are two terms frequently used in the vernacular of web development: Static vs. Dynamic.

Static refers to a page where the content remains constant – you can go back to that page time and again and the content appears the same each time.

Dynamic, however, refers to a state of flux or change. When you view a fancy website that has a dynamic flash intro, the colors may starburst and then fade into one another. Logos and taglines often scroll across the screen. Throw in a video intro or themed musical interlude and you have the makings for dynamic web content that rivals Francis Ford Coppola (albeit on a 17” monitor.)

If I am selected as the winning candidate, my aim is to bring a more dynamic element to an already terrific existing site. Some of the ways I plan to do this are:

Interactive Videos

Videos are an extremely dynamic and effective way of providing information – just look at the abundance of tutorial videos being utilized by companies on the web. I’d like to integrate at least one relevant, short video per month into my posts (more if the prove to be popular) because we are becoming an increasingly video-based culture.

[NOTE – Care to explore the field of scriptwriting with me?}

Expert Interviews

As I said in a previous post, I do *NOT* know it all – I only have to know where to find the answers. Since I love interviewing people, I’d like to introduce some Q&A posts in various genres, either with experts or with people who’ve found success in a particular niche or field.

Marketing Info and Markets Watch

Freelance writing is changing by the day (if not by the hour or minute – just look at the realm of blogging), and discovering new markets is vital to freelance success. I plan to stay up-to-date on trends and opportunities, and then pass the information along to you (to become your one-stop-shop for Freelance 411.)

Introduction into Different Genres and Forms of Writing

My freelance journey has taken me down paths and roads I never imagined, and one of the highlights of my career was breaking in to the field of video scripts. Did I set out to do this? No – not in the least. But I saw an ad on Craigslist one day and thought, “Heck, why not?”

While I had no experience and didn’t get hired for the listed television scriptwriter assignment, I impressed the owner of the production company enough that she now throws informational and trade association videos my way – a lucrative field that I plan to continue exploring.

Motivation & Inspiration

Let’s face it – every freelancer needs a little support and encouragement during those down times (the ones where we start doubting ourselves, and when we wonder if we made a mistake choosing this path.)

I plan to become the Pollyanna of Prose, injecting hope, insight and inspiration when times seem gloomy. I may not be Chicken Soup for the Freelance Writer’s Soul – but I’d like to be your cup of hot cocoa and warm slippers when you start to get down.

Separating the Wheat from the Chaff

As awesome as internet technology is, the downside is that we are all on information overload, and it becomes increasingly difficult to separate golden nuggets from feldspar. Deb and Jodee have done a great job providing resources and links to other relevant blogs and sites, and I plan to expand on this tradition, because I realize that time is one of the most valuable assets (and rarest of commodities) that freelance writers possess.

I want to help make the most of yours by doing the legwork for you — presenting relevant and timely info in a concise, value-added format that you’re eager to return to time and time again.

I will be the first to admit that when I threw my hat in the ring for this contest/job, my motives were me-centric – it was about getting the job. But as the contest has progressed, I’ve learned more during each passing week about the wants and needs of the FWJ community and what I need to do to best serve you.

As such, my intent has shifted – from a mere personal and professional objective into transforming myself into a much-anticipated asset where readers look forward to my posts because it truly brings value to your career endeavors.

In short, I’d like to think my role at FWJ would be akin to that of an accessory in decorating or fashion. My goal is to complement an already-existing terrific décor and style, while adding just the right touch of freshness and sparkle to enhance it.

Care for a little ‘Bling in your Blog’, freelancers? Let me know!

Mary Hay Davis is a professional writer whose work has appeared in The Christian Science Monitor, The Costco Connection, Family Times/Parenting Today and San Diego Family, Magazine. She specializes in writing SEO web content, advetorials, informational articles and marketing material. Before becoming a writer, Mary worked over two decades as a police dispatcher, an occupation rich in anecdotes about the foibles and frailties of the human condition. You can contact Mary through her two websites: www.webprowriting.com and www.maryhaydavis.com.

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Comments

I like the idea of interviewing experts. That’s how I’ve gone from covering sports to technology, with several stops in between, in my writing career. My knowledge as a participant/student in any of these areas was/is marginal at best. I go to those who know (same reason I hire plumbers, rather than doing it myself).

I’m not a huge video person, but I know a lot of other people enjoy them. I do like the idea of expert interviews. IS there a Chicken Soup for the Freelance Writer’s Soul? (Now I have something new to google…) Good luck #6!

I like it…I especially like the scriptwriting addition. That’s the one thing I don’t see enough of on here – though I understand why. I sometimes feel like the odd woman out in that respect. Hehehe. Nice post and great explanations!

@ Kristy — I am not sure about other writers, but I was very intimidated about scriptwriting, and am still a relative newbie at it myself. I think between the different formatting requirements and also the Audio/Visual aspect of it, people just tend to stay away from it (as well as screenwriting – a genre I’ve never broached but would be interested in trying.)

There’s a lot of talk about niches these days, but I’m also of the mindset that how do you know if you’re good at something unless you try it? So hopefully we can encourage some of the community to explore this medium as well.